EP3515228B1 - Closure device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a flexible rubber closure device. The closure system of the invention lends itself well to the production of watch straps, in particular sports watches or electronic watches, but its applications are numerous. It can usefully be employed in the production of cases for portable electronic devices, jewelry products, leather goods, as well as for any other application.

State of the art

Traditional watch straps, made of leather or an equivalent material, which are closed using a metal buckle, have long been known. These bracelets are comfortable and simple to make, but their durability is limited, and are generally used for elegant watches.

Metal bracelets are also well known, and appreciated for their excellent resistance. However, their flexibility and comfort are limited, which can cause discomfort. In addition, they are generally heavier and more expensive than conventional bracelets.

In the field of sports watches and electronic watches, straps of synthetic material, for example rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers are often used. These bracelets are light and comfortable to wear. Their closure, however, is usually achieved by the same means as conventional bracelets. The use of a buckle or clasp is however a disadvantage: this part involves additional assembly and assembly costs, and the connection between the bracelet and the buckle can be a fragile point.

We also know, for example from the document TW20010212576U , rubber bracelets without clasp, in which a protuberance in the shape of a "mushroom" on one strand is inserted, to buckle the bracelet, in one or the other of the holes present on the opposite strand. This solution, although simple, has several limitations, in particular: all the tensile forces exerted on the bracelet are supported by the foot of the protuberance, which can easily give way, due to its limited section; a passer-by is necessary to limit the frolic of the point. The enlarged head of the protuberance exceeds in height the thickness of the bracelet and can be a source of discomfort and discomfort.

Among other examples of known bracelets or closure systems, DE8506454 discloses a watch whose strap has two flexible strands with buttons and holes, while US5318505 , EP0116740 , EP0116740 disclose flexible bands which can be fixed by equivalent means. CH529529 discloses a rigid fastening system, while US5269776 and EP1495673 offer similar closures in other applications.

Closing bracelets are also known which are based on self-gripping materials, for example for children's watches or in various portable devices. These solutions, although functional, often have a limited aesthetic. In addition, the contact between the skin and the hook and loop tape can be uncomfortable.

Brief summary of the invention

An aim of the present invention is to provide a bracelet free from the limitations of the known examples.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bracelet combining a simple construction and lightness, careful aesthetics and irreproachable comfort.

According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the subject of claim 1.

Brief description of the figures

• Les figure 1 et 2 illustrent un bracelet selon un mode de l'invention, fermé et déplié ;
• Les figures 3 et 4 montrent la face supérieure, respectivement inférieure, d'un premier brin du bracelet;
• Les figures 5a à 5d montrent des détails du premier brin ;
• Les figures 6 et 7 montrent la face supérieure, respectivement inférieure, d'un second brin du bracelet;
• Les figures 8a à 8d montrent des détails du second brin.
• La figure 9 monte une autre variante de réalisation à un seul brin.

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

• The figure 1 and 2 illustrate a bracelet according to one embodiment of the invention, closed and unfolded;
• The figures 3 and 4 show the upper face, respectively lower, of a first strand of the bracelet;
• The figures 5a to 5d show details of the first strand;
• The figures 6 and 7 show the upper face, respectively lower, of a second strand of the bracelet;
• The figures 8a to 8d show details of the second strand.
• The figure 9 mount another variant embodiment with a single strand.

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

The figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the bracelet of the invention. The bracelet includes two flat flexible strands 42 and 46, each with fasteners 80 for connection to a watch. It should however be understood that the invention is not limited to the field of watchmaking and includes all devices having the claimed characteristics, regardless of their application or use.

The strands 42 and 46 have holes 60 and protuberances 70 arranged regularly. When the strands are superimposed and pressed against each other, as in the figure, the protuberances 70 engage in the holes 60, which have a shape suitable for receiving them, so that the two strands are secured.

Preferably, the two strands are made of a flexible material, so as to easily adapt to the shape of the wrist, or of the object which they are to encircle. The invention also comprises variants in which with rigid, semi-rigid or articulated strands.

The networks of holes 60 and protuberances 70 are identical, in the example shown, in the sense that each hole is located opposite a protuberance and vice versa. The opening of the bracelet can be chosen by shifting the two strands in the direction of their major axis by a distance equal to a multiple of the pitch of the network. The bracelet therefore allows fine adjustment of the opening simply by modifying the length of the superimposed zone.

One could conceive of variants of the invention in which the networks of the holes and protuberances are not identical, for example because there are fewer protuberances than holes. Other variants could have networks of holes and / or non-periodic and / or non-regular holes, so as to allow a single closed position, without possible adjustment.

The invention also allows variants in which the closed position of the strands can be adjusted not only longitudinally in one direction, but also laterally. Finally, it is possible to design closure systems in which the first strand also includes protuberances, and the second strand complementary holes, without departing from the scope of the invention.

An advantage of the invention is that the strands are closed by simple pressure, without the need for a clasp or loop. The strands adhere over the entire superimposed surface, and no movement of the tip is possible. Moreover, since the adhesion is obtained by means of a plurality of distributed elements, the tensile forces are shared on all these elements, for optimum resistance.

Preferably, all the holes 60 are identical to each other, and the protuberances 70 are identical to each other, the section of each protuberance being essentially equal to that of each hole. However, other arrangements are possible.

The figures 3 and 4 show the two sides of the first strand 46. The side shown on the figure 3 is the visible outer face, while the figure 4 illustrates the inner face, intended to come into contact with the corresponding face of the second strand 42. It can be seen on the figure 3 that the holes 60 pass through the thickness of the first strand 46 and are visible on both sides. The outer face is not smooth, but has a relief which matches the network of holes 60. The relief contributes to the aesthetic appearance of the bracelet, to improving the grip, and to reducing slippage, for example if the bracelet is wet.

In the preferred variant illustrated, the section of the holes is a rhombus, with an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the flexible strand 46. However, this shape is not an essential characteristic and the invention allows several variants in which the section of the holes is different One can envisage, for example, holes having a round, square, oval or escutcheon section.

It is also not essential that all the holes have the same section. It is possible, for example, to envisage holes having similar sections at different scales, for example larger in the center than near the sides, or quite different sections, for example round in the center and square on the sides. It is preferable, however, that the array of holes be periodic and repeat identically with respect to translations along the longitudinal axis of the bracelet, as this feature allows the buckle to be easily adapted to accommodate different dimensions of the bracelet. wrist.

The figures 6 and 7 show the two faces of the second strand 42. The face shown on the figure 6 is the outer face intended to come into contact with the corresponding face of the first visible strand 46, while the figure 7 illustrates the inner face, which will press on the wearer's wrist when the bracelet is buckled.

The protuberances 70 protrude from the outer major face of the second strand 42, and have the shape of right prisms whose section is essentially the same as that of the holes 60. Their height is equal to the thickness of the first strand so that, when the bracelet is closed the upper bases of the prisms 70 are level with the outer face of the first strand. The upper bases can be flat or, preferably, curved, so as to match the relief existing on the outer face of the other strand, thus giving the impression of a continuous decorated surface. In addition to the aesthetic benefit, this combination of features also makes it possible to visually see whether the bracelet is properly closed. The example drawn shows identical prisms because the holes in the opposite strand are identical, but it goes without saying that, if we adopt a network of holes of different shapes and / or dimensions, the protuberances will have sections identical to that corresponding holes.

The second strand also carries an array of holes 76, similar or identical to the holes 60 of the other strand, arranged staggered between the pads 70, so as to adopt the aesthetics of the first strand. The additional holes 76 also have a comfort function, allowing the evacuation of perspiration and the release of the parts during the injection. The engagement of the protrusions 70 in the holes 60 is favored by the inclined engagement surfaces 68 present on the bases of the latter, as can be seen in the figure. figure 5d .

The holes 60 have internal hooking means 65, in their side walls, which interact with corresponding means on the side walls of the protuberances, so as to improve the strength of the closure. Holes 60 have teeth 65 on the internal ridges, as seen on the figures 5a-5d . The teeth 65 develop internally up to mid-height, and engage with the steps 75 on the corresponding ridges of the studs 70, as can be seen on the figures 8a-8d . Steps 75 are also internally located at mid-height. Other variations would however be possible.

Advantageously, these internal attachment means are invisible when the bracelet is closed and do not cause any discomfort when wearing.

Preferably, the holes 60 have a flared opening (not visible in the figures) to simplify the insertion of the protuberances when the bracelet is buckled.

The strands can be made of any suitable flexible material, for example natural rubber (Natural Rubber, or NR), silicone elastomers (Silicone Rubber, SI), nitrile rubber (NBR and HNBR), fluoroelastomers (FKM, FPM ), ethylene-propylene copolymers (Ethylene propylene rubber, EP, EPM, EPDM), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). One could also envisage strands made of a composite material, or of an assembly of several materials. Preferably, the rubber strands are obtained by injection molding or by compression molding.

Although the examples shown refer particularly to a watch strap, the closure system of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Rather, the present invention could be applied to jewelry, bracelets, belts, purses, phone cases, or any other object capable of being closed by flexible strands as claimed. The shape of the strands 42 and 46 could therefore differ from that illustrated, specific to the field of watchmaking, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The figure 9 shows a single flexible strand 46 intended to interact with a closure element, here forming part of a watch back 90. The flexible strand carries a plurality of holes 60, while the closure element in the back of the watch 90 carries protuberances 70 sized to interact with the holes 60, so that the strand 46 and the back of the watch can be secured by pressure. The protrusions 70 preferably comprise hooking elements in the side walls, intended to interact with hooking means in the side walls of the holes 60, this variant however does not form part of the invention.

Although the figure shows holes only on the end of the flexible strand 46, the network of holes can be extended to the entire surface of the strand, for a better aesthetic effect. It is also possible to conceive of a variant in which the flexible strand 46 is equipped with protuberances and the complementary fastening element comprises a plurality of holes. The shape of the holes and protuberances is also free and can be varied at will, as long as these elements remain able to interact with each other.

Reference numbers used in figures

42

second strand

46

first strand

60

hole

65

lateral tooth

68

inclined surface

70

protuberance

75

side step

76

holes

80

attachment means

90

watch

Claims (10)

1. Closure device comprising at least one flat and flexible strand (46, 42) having two opposite main faces, wherein the strand (46, 42) has:

   either a network with a plurality of holes (60) on one of its main faces, while the closure device has a coupling element (42) which bears, on one face, a network with a plurality of protuberances (70) designed to fit in the holes (60);

   or a network with a plurality of protuberances (70) on one of its main faces, while the closure device has a coupling element (46) which bears, on one face, a network with a plurality of holes (60) designed to receive the protuberances (70);

   such that the strand and the coupling element can be superposed on one another, the protuberances (70) facing the holes (60), and secured by pressing, characterized in that the protuberances are right prisms, the upper face of which is flat or curved, and have, on their lateral walls, coupling means intended to interact with complementary coupling means in the lateral walls of the holes (60), and in that the coupling means on the lateral walls of the protuberances are steps (75) on the internal edges of the prisms and fit together with the complementary coupling means consisting of teeth (65) on the internal edges of the holes.
2. Closure device according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling device is a second flat flexible strand having two opposite main faces, wherein the protuberances or the holes of the second strand are on one of the main faces.
3. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holes (60) are mutually identical, and the protuberances (70) are mutually identical, the cross section of each protuberance being substantial equal to that of each hole.
4. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holes (60) and the protuberances (70) are disposed in regular and/or periodic networks.
5. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross section of the holes (60) and of the protuberances (70) is one of: a rhombus, a circle, a square, a rectangle, an oval, a shield, with one axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the two strands (46, 42).
6. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holes (60) pass through the thickness of the first strand (46) from one of the two main faces to the other, and the height of the protuberances (70) is essentially equal to the thickness of the first strand (46).
7. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second strand (42) has a network of holes (76) identical or similar to the network of holes (60) of the first strand.
8. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strands (42, 46) are made of a flexible material chosen from: natural rubber, silicone elastomers, nitrile rubber, fluoroelastomers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane.
9. Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strands (42, 46) are produced by injection moulding or by compression moulding.
10. Bracelet for a watch or portable device, comprising a closure device according to one of the preceding claims, the flexible strands (42, 46) being connectable to the watch or to the portable device.

Images